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The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan

Denominations have fewer priests and pastors, but they're also seeing youth interest grow.

Religion

Fewer people want to become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" data-vars-content-id="136c1647-00e4-4001-8990-4daf0d1c07b0" data-vars-headline="The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" target="_self">pastors</a>, accelerating a leadership vacuum inside one of the country&#x27;s oldest civic institutions.Why it matters: As the pastor role becomes lower-paid, higher-risk and less trusted, the U.S. isn&#x27;t just losing clergy — it&#x27;s losing a key layer of local leadership.

Duggan exits governor race

The independent candidate's supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country's marquee governor's races.

News

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" target="_self">independent campaign for governor</a> Thursday, telling supporters he no longer sees a viable path to victory as national political forces reshape Michigan&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Duggan built a broad coalition of labor groups, business leaders and elected officials from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties" data-vars-click-url="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" target="_blank">both parties</a> around his anti-partisanship message. Those supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country&#x27;s marquee governor&#x27;s races.

Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines

Years ago, the city passed on hosting as costs and demands loomed.

Detroit has built a reputation for landing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major sports events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" target="_self">major sports events</a>, but the city will be watching from the sidelines when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> kicks off next month.The big picture: Detroit declined to pursue becoming a host city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017 bidding process" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" target="_blank">2017 bidding process</a>. One obstacle was FIFA&#x27;s requirement that Ford Field install natural grass, along with an irrigation and drainage system, local tourism officials say.

Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing

The closure comes as the chain shrinks its U.S. footprint.

A Family Dollar store on Eight Mile Road in Warren is preparing to close, with liquidation signs now posted outside the store.Why it matters: The closure comes as Family Dollar continues shrinking its footprint after announcing plans to close <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" data-vars-content-id="a03533ee-0eb6-4466-b826-29ba855cfcf0" data-vars-headline="Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" target="_blank">hundreds of stores</a> nationwide.

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Cancer survivors, family members and caregivers are sought for portraits on the historic CPA Building.

Health

An arts nonprofit is still seeking participants for a public art exhibition in Corktown featuring 103 portraits of local cancer survivors and family members.The big picture: Grand Rapids-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions &amp; Rabbits Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" data-vars-content-id="57be8e61-7a3b-45c1-8161-e09f728867dc" data-vars-headline="Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" target="_blank">Lions &amp; Rabbits Center</a> plans to install prints of hand-painted portraits on the wedge-shaped CPA Building at a prominent corner of Michigan Avenue, across from Michigan Central.

Mental health providers face burnout, shortages

Providers say stigma is easing, but care is harder to find.

Metro Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="11afa92b-7b89-4bce-a11d-852cdefc1de9" data-vars-headline="Mental health providers face burnout, shortages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" target="_self">mental health</a> providers say the stigma around therapy is easing. The harder part now: finding care.Why it matters: Mental Health Awareness Month arrives as more people are willing to ask for help, but therapists are increasingly strained by burnout, staffing shortages and competition from private companies.

Black Michiganders face wide health disparities

A new report shows racial health gaps persist across Michigan.

Black Michiganders continue to experience massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disparities in health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/27/us-health-care-inequities-report" data-vars-content-id="b24a690d-c43b-44fb-a041-24f2d4ac4e87" data-vars-headline="Black Michiganders face wide health disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/27/us-health-care-inequities-report" target="_self">disparities in health care</a>, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" data-vars-content-id="b24a690d-c43b-44fb-a041-24f2d4ac4e87" data-vars-headline="Black Michiganders face wide health disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" target="_blank">new national study</a>.Why it matters: No state has eliminated health disparities between racial and ethnic groups — and researchers warn recent federal policy shifts are likely to widen them.

Be prepared this tick season in Michigan

Ticks and Lyme disease are surging, but you can take simple preventative steps.

With the weather warming, tick season has already begun in Michigan, bringing the risk of Lyme disease.Why it matters: Cases have surged in recent years, but simple precautions can help you avoid getting bitten.

Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants

Nearly every county in Michigan failed to meet the herd immunity threshold for measles.

Amid a growing measles outbreak, the Michigan State Medical Society is urging families to talk with their doctors about vaccinating their infants early.Why it matters: Measles is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severely contagious disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/immunizations/public/measles" data-vars-content-id="1ed7ae49-9442-45a4-8d9b-6b9bac60f56b" data-vars-headline="Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/immunizations/public/measles" target="_blank">severely contagious disease</a> marked by rashes and fevers that can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5.

Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets

One factor driving health care cost increases is rising hospital consolidation.

Nearly half of Michigan hospitals are in a highly concentrated market, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="d5394232-3bb4-4191-8fa2-17363af0c40c" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">blog post</a> from Yale&#x27;s new Health Care Affordability Lab.Why it matters: As rising health care costs put more financial strain on Americans, &quot;one major and underappreciated factor driving price increases is rising consolidation among U.S. hospitals,&quot; the blog post argues.

Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years

Federal funding changes impacted Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan.

The number of clinics in Michigan providing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/05/09/the-state-of-abortion-in-michigan" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/05/09/the-state-of-abortion-in-michigan" target="_self">abortions</a> fell 12% over a nearly two-year period ending in December, according to a recently released Guttmacher Institute report.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="withholding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/title-x-grantees-and-clinics-affected-by-the-trump-administrations-funding-freeze/" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/title-x-grantees-and-clinics-affected-by-the-trump-administrations-funding-freeze/" target="_blank">withholding</a> of Title X <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family planning funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/03/31/planned-parenthood-title-x-funding/" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/03/31/planned-parenthood-title-x-funding/" target="_blank">family planning funding</a> for Planned Parenthood and other health care providers likely contributed to the decline, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2024-2025#:~:text=Number%20of%20clinics%20providing%20abortions%20and%20changes%20over%20time%2C%20by%20state" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2024-2025#:~:text=Number%20of%20clinics%20providing%20abortions%20and%20changes%20over%20time%2C%20by%20state" target="_blank">the report</a>.

Experts urge 24-hour break from screens

Healthy tech boundaries can boost sleep, mood and connection.

Think you can go 24 hours without scrolling on your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/smartphones-age-12-worse-health-study" data-vars-content-id="68bc8434-d1ad-4536-b62d-c37ce52c8cdd" data-vars-headline="Experts urge 24-hour break from screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/smartphones-age-12-worse-health-study" target="_self">phone</a> or staring at other devices?<ul><li>Give it a try on Friday, this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Day of Unplugging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globaldayofunplugging.org/" data-vars-content-id="68bc8434-d1ad-4536-b62d-c37ce52c8cdd" data-vars-headline="Experts urge 24-hour break from screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globaldayofunplugging.org/" target="_blank">Day of Unplugging</a>.</li></ul>

Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration

Ali Abazeed will oversee efforts to tackle chronic disease and health inequities.

The leader of Dearborn&#x27;s recent public health push, ​​Ali Abazeed, is starting a new job in Detroit as chief public health officer.Why it matters: Improving the health of residents in a city dealing with major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/examining-and-addressing-covid-19-racial-disparities-in-detroit/" data-vars-content-id="ed6da25c-f684-4c63-8821-1d63e1b10a65" data-vars-headline="Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/examining-and-addressing-covid-19-racial-disparities-in-detroit/" target="_blank">health</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inequities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/09/preterm-baby-babies-michigan-infant-health" data-vars-content-id="ed6da25c-f684-4c63-8821-1d63e1b10a65" data-vars-headline="Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/09/preterm-baby-babies-michigan-infant-health" target="_self">inequities</a> is a key puzzle piece for Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s new administration.

Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers

The program provides monthly cash to mothers during pregnancy and families with newborns.

Applications opened Monday for a unique local program giving new mothers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" target="_self">cash assistance</a> without strings attached.Why it matters: Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is an early move in new Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s goal to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress on childhood poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" target="_self">progress on childhood poverty</a>.

A heat table that shows Michigan health system performance scores by race and ethnicity. Scores range from 25 to 84. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents score highest at 84, followed by White residents at 77. American Indian and Alaska Native residents score lowest at 25, with Black residents at 28.

Michigan health system performance scores

Data: Commonwealth Fund 2026 State Health Disparities Report, based on data from 2022–24; Table: Joe Guillen/Axios

Health 🩺

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Mental health providers face burnout, shortages

Black Michiganders face wide health disparities

Be prepared this tick season in Michigan

Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants